In the game "High Martial Arts," players start with the blessing of the Martial God.

Chapter 99 Void Merchants and Lost Travelers

Upon learning about the monthly exam for freshmen, Ji Ming felt a sense of urgency.

Leaving aside the Crimson Flame Demon Clan and the native races of the Crimson Dragon Origin Realm, he would have a hard time dealing with just the top second-year students of the four major star palaces.

The truly top students in the second year of high school are those who can make it onto the Star Ranking!

As far as he knew, the minimum requirement for a martial artist to break through to the Divine Realm was the Star Ranking!

This means that they have at least level 24 life strength, and the source power of a Divine Realm warrior is fused with spiritual power, making each strand of it far more powerful than the source power of a Jade Purity Realm warrior.

He may be considered invincible in the Jade Purity Realm, but he is far from being a match for a martial artist in the Divine Transformation Realm. He has to be extra careful when facing a normal Divine Transformation Level 1 martial artist.

For example, Yuan Heng was in such a hurry because he had been surpassed by those martial artists who did not take the path to godhood. Although his life strength was high, he was not necessarily a match for an ordinary first-level Divine Realm martial artist.

However, Yuan Heng himself does not admit it, and he has always claimed to be the number one person below the Star Ranking!

Seeing the pressure on Ji Ming's face, Su Qiao nodded secretly. He had already spent some time figuring out Ji Ming's current situation in the virtual space. Defeating Yuan Xiao was certainly a good thing, but he was afraid that Ji Ming would become too arrogant, so a proper blow was also necessary.

The Crimson Dragon Realm is dangerous, but staying near the base provides some protection; the Education Department isn't sending them to their deaths.

With Ji Ming's current level 20 life strength, he can fight against native beasts in the early stage of the third tier. Those beasts with low intelligence are no match for human professionals of the same level.

Of course, there should be both setbacks and incentives.

Su Qiao laughed again, "Although this freshman monthly exam was dangerous, the rewards are more generous than ever before. Some of the things are even tempting to me!"

Seeing Ji Ming's expectant look, Su Qiao continued, "The content of this four-school joint exam is to kill the Crimson Flame Demon and the native beasts of the Crimson Dragon Origin Realm, and the final ranking will be determined by the points."

"However, this time it's different from the Astral Trial; points cannot be stolen, and team formation is not allowed!"

"Finally, every participant will receive ten merit points! The top 100 will receive 100 merit points, the top 50 will receive 300 merit points, and the top 10 will receive 1000 merit points and one item of their choice from the three levels of the Heavenly Treasure Vault!"

"Top three rankings will receive an additional 500 merit points on top of the top ten rankings!"

"A three-story treasure vault? The academy is really going all out this time?" Ye Zhou was tempted upon hearing this.

"It's not like we're the only ones paying; the four major star palaces each contribute, so in the end, it's not much," Su Qiao said with a smile.

Tianyi Treasure Vault —

Ji Ming's heart stirred. He recalled Xia Qiwen's mysterious manner when he questioned him about the Earthly Fiend Floating Nether Qi. Could it be that the third level of the treasure vault contained this rare and precious material?

If ranked by grade, the Earthly Fiend Floating Nether Qi could be considered a top-tier sixth-order treasure, while his most precious Heavenly Azure Returning Origin Fruit was only a fourth-order item—primarily due to its rarity.

He was fairly confident of ranking in the top fifty. The only people he needed to watch out for were the few sophomores who made it onto the Star Ranking and ordinary Tier 3 professionals.

There aren't many of these two types of people in the four major star palaces combined; there shouldn't be more than fifty.

But the top ten —

Ji Ming shook his head inwardly, which meant that his score had to surpass that of some of his senior brothers who were ranked on the Star Ranking!

His strength is still far from sufficient, but he still has a chance, because this time it's not about letting them fight each other, but about killing alien beasts, so anything is possible.

Sometimes, luck is also a very important factor.

"Strive to get into the top 50. The academy is rarely this generous!" Su Qiao encouraged with a smile.

After leaving the plantation, Ye Zhou went to the research institute, while Ji Ming returned to the core residential area.

After closing the door, I entered the meditation room.

With a puzzled expression, Ji Ming summoned his identity card, which displayed two constantly loading identities: [Transmigrator] and [Core Student of Tianyi Star Palace].

These two identities gradually faded away, and the information of [Void Merchant] emerged. Then, in another turn, an unprecedented identity appeared on the card!

[Identity: Lost Traveler Iv.1]

[Characteristics: Unknown]

[Conditions for Condensation: 1. Breaking the Limit Four Times; 2. Flower of the Mysterious Realm; 3. Witnessing Ten Types of Wonders (0/10)]

He didn't obtain one identity from the spiritual realm, but two!

Moreover, compared to the Void Merchant, the Lost Traveler is probably even more powerful, as can be seen from the conditions for its formation.

I've never heard of the Flower of the Mysterious Realm, and I don't understand the so-called "spectacle" right now, but I clearly understand that I broke the limit four times.

This means he must take four steps to become a god before he has a chance to manifest this identity!

Although its specific characteristics are unknown, it is definitely extremely powerful!

Why did he acquire two identities in the spirit realm?

On the way back, Ji Ming had already thought about it. Others only had one identity card slot, so of course they could only get one identity from the Spirit Realm, but he had two identity card slots!

The Spirit Realm is granted according to the identity card slots!

"Could this spiritual realm possibly see through [as if it were within a calculation]?" Ji Ming's expression was uncertain.

Or is it that the mirror holds the most fundamental secret of the identity card?

Regardless of which one it is, he believes it is something the natural school does not understand, otherwise they would not be so casual about it.

The school of thought merely used it as a tool to gain a powerful identity, unaware that the mirror itself was the most precious thing.

How can I get that mirror?

Uh—although it's not good to be so eager to claim the school's stuff for oneself, the essence of the identity card is just too important.

This might help him uncover the mystery behind the "time traveler"!

"Ugh!"

Ji Ming sighed. There was nothing he could do for the time being. Even if the school didn't know its true nature, the Spirit Realm was still the school's core treasure, and it was impossible to entrust it to a newcomer like him.

He can't exactly rob it, can he?

That's absolutely inhuman!

We'll have to deal with that later. The natural school has been in control for so many years, it can't just suddenly disappear.

Putting all these thoughts aside, the idea of ​​becoming a "Lost Traveler" is not something to be fantasized about right now. Even the "Void Merchant" still needs to take the second step towards godhood!

His primary goal right now is still the four-school joint exam. He should strive to be among the top ten and obtain the Earthly Fiend Floating Nether Qi. Then he can cultivate the first level of "Qingxuan Daozhu's Qi Refining Talk". At that time, his potential in all aspects will be improved, and his growth speed will be much faster.

Although the [God of War's Blessing] is very strong, it doesn't enhance his talent; everything depends on his own efforts.

"Getting into the top ten is really difficult!"

Ji Ming sighed, then took out his merit card again. Fortunately, he had won quite a bit this time, and the merit points that Xia Qiwen had helped him win from betting had already been transferred over.

He now has 750 merit points!

"Should that be enough?" He wasn't sure, after all, the higher the realm, the more difficult it was to improve.

"The blood essence of the Ancient Ruins Beast in the early stage of the second tier costs two merit points per drop, the blood essence in the middle stage of the second tier costs four merit points, and the blood essence in the late stage costs eight merit points."

Ji Ming had a plan in mind: perhaps he could try to find out which level of essence blood offered the best value for money.

Regardless of the level of one's essence blood, if one does not use its special properties, it can only last for a maximum of one hour. If one activates its special properties, the higher the level of one's essence blood, the shorter the duration it can last.

After breaking through to the seventh level of Jade Purity, the Ancient Ruins Beast essence blood of the early second stage could only sustain him in converting Void Qi to its full potential for five minutes. This time was too short; perhaps the essence blood of the middle or late stages would be more cost-effective.

He exchanged one drop each of the second-tier mid-stage and late-stage essence blood from the resource pool. He then checked his reserves and found them to be far too little, not nearly enough.

That's normal. After all, the Void Beast Civilization is an ally. It's fine if you kill them secretly, but openly selling them out will affect unity!

"We have no choice but to go to Xia Qiwen."

Ji Ming knew that buying the essence blood of the Ancient Ruins Beast so frequently would arouse suspicion, but there was nothing he could do. Fortunately, Ye Zhou's research institute provided cover, so most people wouldn't suspect his identity card.

Even if there are suspicions, it doesn't matter; he and Ye Zhou just need to coordinate their statements.

Of course, this is the worst-case scenario, and the actual likelihood of being investigated is very low.

He's not some nobody without connections!

"Ding!"

Suddenly, the doorbell rang outside the villa.

Ji Ming thought the essence blood had arrived, so he hurriedly went out to get it, but when he opened the door, he saw three uninvited guests.

Yuan Heng, Yuan Dongqing, and a middle-aged man with a square face.

The square-faced man smiled the moment he saw him. "Student Ji, I've heard so much about you. You are indeed a handsome and talented man, with the air of a great teacher!"

"Let me introduce myself. I am Yuan Zhen, the father of these two good-for-nothings."

Yuan Zhen kicked both of his sons as he spoke, "Aren't you going to apologize to Ji right now?"

Yuan Heng and Yuan Dongqing, whose hands were still bandaged, staggered and bowed to Ji Ming. "I'm sorry, Junior Brother Ji, we were confused for a moment. Please forgive us!"

Ji Ming was taken aback, then saw Yuan Zhen also bowing. He quickly stepped aside and helped him up, saying, "Professor Yuan, you're too kind!"

One shouldn't hit a smiling face. He and the two Yuan brothers weren't mortal enemies. If they were truly apologizing sincerely, he didn't need to keep harping on it.

"Of course!"

Yuan Zhen raised his head and said solemnly, "I've been in the Primal Ancient Realm for the past six months, and I only found out today that these two guys have done so many stupid things. I hope you'll forgive me!"

As he spoke, a brown wooden box appeared in his hand. "It's our first meeting, so here's a small gift. I hope you won't find it offensive, Ji."

""

"You're too kind!"

Seeing that he seemed to be sincere, Ji Ming waved his hand and said casually, "We became friends after a fight, so you don't need to take it too seriously."

"Take it. My son has caused so much trouble. I'll feel a little more at ease if Ji accepts the gift," Yuan Zhen said sincerely.

Ji Ming hesitated for a moment, but still accepted it. "Then thank you very much, Instructor Yuan."

3

"Um!"

Yuan Zhen seemed much more relaxed and smiled, "In that case, we won't disturb your cultivation any longer."

After saying that, he picked up his two sons and walked away.

Ji Ming watched them leave. Compared to his two sons, this mentor Yuan did indeed give a much better impression.

He closed the door, then curiously opened the wooden box. A gray stone sat in the center of a recessed area. He touched it, his expression changing drastically, and he exclaimed in surprise, "A Soul Ascension Stone?!"

On the other side, Yuan Zhen and his two sons remained silent the whole way home. Once there, Yuan Dongqing finally couldn't hold back any longer, "Father, weren't you being too lenient with him?"

His father is an intermediate-level instructor, holding a significant position within the Original School. They're one thing, but why should he apologize as well?

He was somewhat unconvinced; even if Ji Ming defeated Yuan Xiao, it wasn't worth it.

He even personally delivered such an expensive gift!

Yuan Zhen glanced at him, then shook his head dejectedly. "I've been busy with breakthroughs in recent years and neglected to discipline you all. It's my fault!"

"Father!" Yuan Dongqing's eyes reddened, unable to see his father, whom he had always admired, in such a state.

"Back then, Luo Zhao—you didn't—"

-

"Don't what?" Yuan Zhen retorted, "Don't you hate me?"

He shook his head. "It was just fair competition. I was no match for him. Luo Zhao was a bit too heavy-handed, but it's not a big problem."

He didn't hate it at all; on the contrary, he was inspired and became more courageous because of his shame. His cultivation speed increased significantly afterward.

Upon learning of Luo Zhao's silence, he felt no sense of satisfaction, but rather regret. It was such a pity that someone who had the potential to become a pillar of martial arts had passed away!

Moreover, he spends most of his time on the battlefield of myriad worlds, which is completely different from the tranquility of the rear. Although there hasn't been a super war for many years, he can sense the recent change in atmosphere, a kind of oppressive feeling before a volcanic eruption.

Humanity needs strong individuals!

The struggles within the Xuanhuang Realm are nothing but a series of jokes; the younger generation should indeed go out and explore more.

"Alright, now tell me, who instigated you to target Ji Ming?"

Yuan Zhen's voice turned cold. Even a clay figure has some temper. He had been away for many years, and now people were eyeing his two foolish sons!

"Yes—yes—"

Yuan Heng and Yuan Dongqing exchanged a glance. Not daring to hide anything from their father, they recounted their conversation with Wang Xunwu in detail.

"snort!"

Yuan Zhen snorted coldly after hearing this, "That brat from the Wang family doesn't dare to go himself, so you two are sent? You two idiots are infuriating!"

"I'll talk to Wang Zhengfeng later and see what he really means."

After speaking, he looked at Yuan Heng and sighed, "Heng'er, you've suffered these past years. When we get back, I'll promote you to the highest training level in the family. Don't do anything foolish for such a spiritual fruit again!"

Yuan Heng was taken aback, then shook his head. "The ancestor won't agree. The main branch has already taken all the spots, leaving only Dong Qing."

He glanced at Yuan Dongqing and said, "Only my younger brother is being trained out of respect for you."

"Oh!"

Yuan Zhen sneered, his anger rising. "You may not be some peerless genius, but you've at least successfully taken a step towards godhood. What kind of trash are those people from the main branch?"

"Don't worry, your father will take care of this!"

Yuan Heng and Yuan Dongqing were both stunned, their hearts racing, and they asked in trembling voices, "You—you've broken through?"

A rare smug look appeared on Yuan Zhen's square face. "That's right! The ancestor was incompetent; it is up to me, his father, to set things right!"

The Yuan brothers were overjoyed to hear this, while Yuan Dongqing was not too surprised, as he had always trusted his father!

Yuan Zhen looked at the two brothers and sighed. Dong Qing's injuries should be put on hold for now. Going to the Crimson Dragon Realm to train in his current state of mind would only lead to his death.

As for Yuan Heng, he should be strong enough, so he should seize this opportunity to train properly.

The reason why the Education Department so abruptly and forcefully ordered Xinggong to change the way students are trained is probably because it sensed a crisis.

War may not be far off!

Whether the negotiations regarding Water God Valley will succeed is uncertain; we don't want the school of thought to end up with nothing but wishful thinking.

Several elderly men were discussing something in the martial arts department courtyard.

"That kid from the Yuan family has broken through?"

"Hmm, not bad. In two more years, we can promote him to senior mentor."

They weren't too surprised. After all, he was someone who had competed with Luo Zhao and still managed to leave his mark. His breakthrough was both unexpected and reasonable.

-

Fifty years ago, it was a golden age!

Luo Zhao emerged out of nowhere, overwhelming his generation, but those who could compete with him, though ultimately defeated, were all peerless geniuses.

"Hehe, it seems that old man from the Yuan family won't be able to stay peaceful for long!" an old man laughed.

"Hmph! That old bastard! How long has it been since he went to the Battlefield of Myriad Realms? He's been resting on his laurels, living off his past achievements. If this were a thousand years ago, that person would have already executed him as a sacrifice to the flag!"

"Haha! I've got my eye on Yuan Zhen, this kid. I'll teach Yuan Mojiang a lesson!"

"Hahaha!"

Suddenly, an ordinary-looking old man in plain clothes appeared in the courtyard.

"Stop fooling around! Convene a meeting of the cabinet members and notify the other departments to attend!"

"Yes, Dean!"

The old men who had been laughing and joking suddenly became serious and sent messages one by one. Before long, all the elders who were willing to participate gathered on the eighth floor of Tianyi Pavilion.

Dean Wu, seated at the head of the table, surveyed the room. "With more than two-thirds of the elders present, the meeting is valid!"

"This meeting was proposed by Grand Secretary Su. Su Qiao, it's your turn to speak!"

All the elders looked at Su Qiao, who was sitting to one side. He slowly stood up and said in a calm but powerful voice, "My Natural School has a student named Ji Ming, who is of upright character and exceptional talent. I propose that he be included in the list of promising talents!"

"Ji Ming?"

The elders began to discuss it in hushed tones.

"Seems like a freshman? Hmm—they're progressing so fast!"

"Indeed, he has good talent and can use the bloodline talent of the Heavenly Demon Clan. His identity is also unique, so it should be easier for him to reach the seventh realm in the future."

On the Immortal Path side, an old woman suddenly stood up. "Although this child is exceptionally talented, his cultivation level is too low, and he is too young. He is not yet ready to settle his mind. The rise of a prodigy is no child's play. If this genius falls in the end, my Star Palace may become a laughing stock!"

"this----"

Upon hearing this, the Grand Secretaries all showed signs of hesitation.

"Old Wang is right. This child's level is too low; we cannot fully confirm his talent."

"That's true, I also think we should seriously consider it first."

They weren't targeting Ji Ming, but the requirements for the Hidden Dragon Genius were extremely high. Only those with a 90% chance of entering the seventh realm could be included on the list. Ji Ming was still a little short of that. This year, only one freshman from the Yanhuang Star Palace made it in.

"Wang Honggu, what do you mean? When did the age limit for a genius in the Hidden Dragon Academy come into being?" Su Qiao frowned.

"snort!"

Seeing that her goal had been achieved, the old woman surnamed Wang sat down directly. She didn't like any of the people that Leng Jianqiu valued.

"Okay, stop arguing!"

Dean Wu tapped the table. "How about this, temporarily put him on the Hidden Dragon observation list, and see how Ji Ming performs in the Crimson Dragon Origin Realm this time."

""

"Hey, that's a good idea!"

"That's definitely a good starting point!"

The elders unanimously agreed. They had no particular stance; they didn't want to offend He Chuan's disciple, nor did they want to protect the reputation of the Star Palace. They were worried that Ji Ming couldn't live up to the title of Hidden Dragon Genius. In this case, Dean Wu's method was the best.

"Okay, let's vote by raising hands!"

Dean Wu was the first to raise his hand, and most of the other elders followed suit. Only the old woman surnamed Wang remained motionless. Su Qiao glanced at her but ignored her.

"Okay, more than half agree, the vote is over!"

"Effective immediately, Ji Ming is placed on the 'Hidden Dragon' observation list. His future promotion will be determined based on his performance!"

Dean Wu said in a deep voice.

The old woman was somewhat dissatisfied, but she didn't dare to object anymore. If she spoke again, it would be too self-serving and would annoy people.

With everything settled, Su Qiao smiled; this was exactly what he had wanted.

It's impossible to become a hidden genius directly. This isn't just a matter for Tianyi Star Palace. After they reach an internal agreement, they still need to report to the Three Departments and obtain the consent of the entire Xia Kingdom's power structure.

Given Ji Ming's current performance, it's impossible for him to pass all the tests.

Those who aim high will achieve something in the middle.

His goal was to put Ji Ming on the observation list, which would greatly increase his safety during his training in the Crimson Dragon Realm!

For geniuses who are placed on the observation list, the academy will definitely add an extra layer of protection.

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